NIOSH Urging: “Share Roads Safely”

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says in their latest blog that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the U.S.

The NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety provides research-based guidance to prevent motor vehicle crashes for truck drivers, high-risk workers, and all who drive for work. Distracted driving occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off your primary task: driving safely. Visit the NIOSH Distracted Driving at Work for more information and resources.

Three firefighters sustained minor injuries in a fire in Calabasas, CA over the weekend, which was apparently caused when a motorist in a pick-up truck traveling at high speed, crashed into a utility pole in the 2300 block of Mulholland Highway, downing power lines, igniting the fire. At its height, 5,000 people were evacuated from the area, but many of those have returned home. Officials report that 80% of the fire has been contained.

According to the National Safety Council, with crashes the leading cause of workplace death, everything possible needs to be done to avoid impairment behind the wheel.

Distracted driving is a huge issue tragically taking thousands of lives each year. Communication systems in vehicles are there for convenience, not safety. Even hands-free devices pose a threat because the brain remains distracted. While there are currently no federal laws banning all electronic device use behind the wheel, employers can have a huge influence through safe driving policies. NSC offers a free Cell Phone Policy Kit for any organization looking to create or enhance its current policies.

However, not all vehicle technology is bad. There are many new life-saving features being added to cars, we just need to understand how to use them. Check out mycardoeswhat.org to learn more about these vehicle safety technologies.